Summary

This project conducted field trials to test the suitability of selected spice crops under real-world farming conditions to develop agronomic advice to support grower adoption. Through the direct involvement of farmers, advisers and commercial seed companies, the project helped build the supply chain links necessary to establish a new and viable industry in northern Australia.

Researchers assessed the market and supply chain opportunities, as well as the environmental and agronomic systems required for producers in northern Australia to adopt five high-value spice crops – cumin, caraway, black sesame, kalonji and fennel – as the foundation of a new industry to meet Australian demand and create export opportunities.

Data gathered from glasshouse trials by Central Queensland University and AgriVentis Technologies provided proof of the suitability of these five spice crops, enabling the progression to field trials. Field trial data collected across six different agro-ecological zones allowed for detailed assessments of the crops’ potential for large-scale commercial production in northern Australia.

Expected outcomes

• The project highlighted the value and opportunity of introducing five new spices crops into the cropping industry in northern Australia. This was demonstrated through project outputs such of agronomic guides and varietal assessment reports, which will enable growers to select the most suitable spices crops for commercial production and follow best-practice agronomic methods to ensure profitability.
• The project also explored supply chain pathways to both domestic and Asian markets by connecting farmers with seed companies operating at national and international levels. It developed a network of growers and advisers linked to seed supplier and exporter AgriVentis. AgriVentis engaged with international buyers, targeting expressions of interest already received from companies in Turkey and Korea. The market research component of the project identified additional potential markets and assessed the economic barriers that may need to be addressed to access them.
• The project established a base level of spice crop production upon which a new industry can be built in northern Australia. This was achieved through the use of extension and adoption strategies that linked new growers and advisers to AgriVentis supply contracts. The knowledge developed through the project is being delivered to growers and advisers via outputs such as variaty production guides, supporting the adoption of best-practice cropping methods. This, in turn, is expected to maximise crop yields and improve farmer viability.